Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)

Name: Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Ingredients: 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 3/8 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted; 1 egg; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2/3 cup white sugar; 1/2 cup butter or margarine; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

14 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3/8 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1

In a large bowl, stir together the yeast and warm water. Mix in the milk, 3/8 cup sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, salt, egg and half of the flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter to knead as soon as it pulls together enough.
2

Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a large greased bowl, and turn the dough to coat. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3

Make the topping while the dough rises. In a medium bowl, beat 2/3 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour until the mixture is the consistency of thick paste. Divide into two parts, and place one part in a separate bowl. Mix cinnamon into one half, and vanilla into the other half.
4

When the dough is done rising, cut into 12 even-sized pieces. Shape into balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet, spacing about 3 inches apart. Divide each bowl of topping into 6 balls, and pat flat. Place circles of topping on top of the dough balls patting down lightly. Use a knife to cut grooves in the topping like a clam shell. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
5

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.